Black Pestilence: Urban Hell Rhythmics (2018)

A trend that I have noticed of late is bands re-combining black metal with punk influences.  I say re-combining because it is clear from some of the earliest black metal bands that punk has been a big influence on the genre.  One of the biggest examples of this was Devil Master, who I covered a few weeks ago.  It was partly based on my enjoyment of that particular album that I decided to check this out.  And the other reason was the terrific cover art.

I would argue that Black Pestilence is more of a hardcore/punk band who happens to incorporate black metal elements moreso than the other way around.  At least for most of the songs.  Songs like "D.I.Y. 666" and "Hymns for the Black Mass" have a kind of up-tempo punk bounciness, particularly in the bass lines.  Most of the songs follow that general pattern with the only real black metal elements being the raspy vocals and the occasional tremolo riff.  But the energy is absolutely infectious and the songs are often fun to listen and bang the head to.  The songs also fly by and a frantic pace and the album is over quickly.  Every once in awhile, some other element comes in.  "Vertex" kicks off with an almost industrial crunch and there are the occasional noise influences that come in at times as well.

This is definitely an interesting album.  There's some great songs on here and it is a lot of fun to listen to.  The disparate influences come together and the sound works out quite well here.  The best part is that it is short enough that it never overstays its welcome.  Good workout music.